Technical Work – The Faster the Better
This week’s post comes from our Soccer Conditioning Experts at Soccer FIT. This article struck a cord with me because I think that as coaches we are sometimes guilty of the single-minded focus on technique especially for our youngest players. The post makes the point that we are in danger of obsessing over perfect technique to the point that we lose functional speed.
When it comes to “technical work,” can we be TOO technical?
Interesting question…and in my opinion the answer is “YES!” I understand that foot angle & toe placement when touching the ball is extremely important. But as coaches, we must ask ourselves “how much technique is TOO much?”
The answer lies in the product & end result which you desire as a coach – do you want overly technical, slower players that are unable to accelerate & reach “full speed” with the ball? Or do you desire more explosive, athletic players that sometimes struggle with their first touch & ball control? Obviously, most coaches would choose “C” – all and yet none of the above.
Quite simply, all coaches believe that if the ball slows a player down; then he or she must train “technically.” This makes sense…to a point. Most youth technical sessions consist of skill work with emphases such as “control”, ” don’t lose the ball”, etc. While control definitely proceeds speed on the soccer skill continuum, when is it OK to go fast?
Answer – As soon as technically possible. In other words ASAP, players should be encouraged to be explosive & creative – much like the players they emulate & yearn to become one day.
During the SoccerFIT GAMESPEED sessions, we promote COMFORT on the ball in early stages (i.e. warm-up work); but then quickly progress to a more aggressive (RUN with the ball) approach. In our opinion, players need to train more “aggressively” and “faster” with the ball. For more info see this previous post – http://soccerfitacademy.com/game-speed-camp-video-highlights/
Players must understand the bigger picture and overall GOAL of “technical” training – create space to give yourself more time to make good decisions with the ball (shoot, pass, switch, etc).
If the emphasis is MORE time, then players must play with MORE speed!
So what do you think? Can you focus TOO much on technique? Leave a comment and join the discussion.
Oh! I get it, what your suggesting in this article is that you want the players to not worry about developing “correct technique” but to do it faster. So be faster at doing it wrong, great message (sarcasm)
Interesting in the fact that American players lack the techniques to be world class players. It is not the “athletic/physical” attributes that are hindering American players from making it. American players do quite well in a physical environment such as the English Premier League, and Germany, however they don’t do so well in countries like Spain, Italy, Brazil and other latin countries that put a lot of emphasis on technique and game savvy.
Just my 2 cents…
Mark,
I read the author’s point differently. I hear him/her saying that the danger is being so focused on precise technique that the players don’t ever practice at a functional speed. Once the technique is taught it’s important for the players to be challenged to use that technique at speed.
Technique at the younger ages is vital, since they tend to run pointlessly fast anyway (particularly the boys). Then you increase pace as they get older. It’s not a one season or one practice concept, it’s a multi-year continuum. I find the hardest part to get across is that you need to use pace to create space, but then slow down so you stay in the space you have created. Most youth players run themselves into the defenders once they get moving at speed.
Tom thanks so much for having my back
That is EXACTLY my point. It gets back to the hot term that is thrown around by coaches & directors across the country – “development.”
We must determine who & what we as coaches & leaders want to”develop” – kids & eventually adolescent players that look good in drills or the game.
It’s our goal at SoccerFIT to grow & nurture kids to “make a difference” on the pitch. That is what brings success & confidence to our young players.
I don’t feel that American players “lack the technique.”
If one would ask our more experienced players “how to receive, turn, strike, pass, etc?” They could probably tell you…and most likely show you.
But when asked by the demands of “the game” to do so, a different story unfolds – one of us losing possession, missing easy opportunities, etc.
These problems stem from lack of technique AT SPEED…IN GAMES…when it matters MOST.
I suggest visiting Scott Moody’s Soccerfit website. He has done his homework. The point is a player is never technically sound if he is unable to perform at high speeds.With higher levels of play the speed of play and thought increases. With less time on the ball to make a decision your first touch must of the highest quality. The point is if you do not train at high speeds(functionally)then the player will find it difficult at higher levels. Deep Learning occurs in slow methodical manner which is important element.However,Taking that skill and pushing it to the limits thru trial an error implants in the brain where it becomes instinctual. Biggest difference between us and other countries mentioned is street soccer or futebol de salao “soccer in a room”.No time plus no space equals better skills. Organized soccer has hurt the game in the USA..
I’m really sorry but the guy who wrote this, “I don’t feel that American players “lack the technique.”" is totally out of touch with high level soccer today.
American players don’t just slightly lack technique, American players MASSIVELY lack technique.
The technique US players lack is not dribble technique, it’s simple things like receiving, settling a ball, dealing with a heavy ball, half turns, quarter turns and passing technique and combination techniques/tactics.
Watch an EPL match. Count the Scissors, the Step Overs, the Maradona’s, and all fancy dribble moves to beat a player 1 v 1 combined. Then replay the match and count the half turns. It’s 1 fancy dribble move at speed to 500 half turns. I watched Liverpool and Man U over the weekend . . . maybe one scissor, from both teams combined.
Then turn on the MLS. Notice how the ball is constantly bobbling about, how the American players can’t settle the ball with their feet or their body. How they can scarcely string together 5 passes before a turnover. They get pressure and hoof it!
The USMNT is ALWAYS one of the fittest teams in international play. They’re renowned for it. They’re also renowned for using that amazing fitness to defend like crazy for 90 minutes because they NEVER HAVE THE BALL!!!
I watched the SoccerFIT video of the highlights. Those kids look awesome. Those activities are incredible.
Now, how many of ‘em can get 250 juggles with their head? How many can keep the ball up with their feet only for 20 minutes? Put ‘em in a game of Rondo (5 v 2 keep away) and give ‘em a point for every split. Or have ‘em in a 6 v 6 +1 possession game where they win a point for 5 passes in a row. They know enough dribbling and are fit enough, now teach ‘em how to play the game together.
Coach Root,
I’m very confused by your post???
It begins by stating that I’m totally out of touch with high level soccer, but then you proceed to make my point for me.
If you refer to our site, then you will see several posts challenging our YOUTH players (as this is our market) to raise their levels of commitment to the game. What happens in the EPL, La Liga, and even MLS is of minimal concern to us. These players are the outliers after which American should pattern their behaviors, habits, and desire.
Rondo, 5v5, 6v6 +1 are all GAMES. Not in the organized sense of positions & referees, but in the purest sense of playing under duress. This is what separates our style of football from our counterparts across the world. While their kids are dribbling, juggling, playing in the streets, ours are choosing other sports at best or playing ANGRY BIRDS at worst.
In reference to the “kids at SoccerFIT,” all of our drills & activities are designed to make more impactful players. Coaches & parents seek out our services to improve certain deficiencies in their athletes, so SOME of our programs involve speed, strength, and power development on the field or specialized equipment. But ALL of our programs place direct emphasis on becoming more confident players with the ball at their feet. This confidence comes through learning the initial skill, and then repeating such skill at GAMESPEED in GAME SITUATIONS.
It is not our wish to argue with any coach, parent, or professional about these topics. Our goal is to grow the GAME…and eventually sport. The GAME of soccer is one that is not enjoyed or appreciated by enough Americans. We are trying to solve this problem one touch at a time.
[...] comment in particular, from earlier this spring caught my attention… In a discussion of the post TECHNICAL WORK: The faster the better, the discussion was centered on training technical work at game speed. Our stance on this is to [...]
I just posted a reply to several of these comments, specifically to Coach Root on our site: http://soccerfitacademy.com/situationally-specific-passingagility-sessions/
I love all of your comments as I am still a student of the game. We as a company strive to blend your comments into our training and continue to let our system evolve.
Thank You as always for your support, questions and suggestions.
Scott Moody
Founder and CEO
SoccerFIT Academy